“Change We Can Believe In” was a powerful election slogan of Barack Obama that won him support and near-adulation among many people in the run up to the last US election. Some people believed that change was important and necessary although others wondered what substance there might have been behind the slogan.

Many organisations have slogans, mission statements and corporate objectives. These are good if they have substance behind them but what if they do not? An empty slogan is like a false promise – a sign of a lack of integrity.

A significant minority of job seekers who seek my advice are looking to leave their jobs not because of compensation or promotion prospects but for ethical reasons. Perhaps it’s worth taking the time to do a career audit and ask:

• Am I a valued part of the team?
• Do I feel comfortable working here?
• Can I make a difference to this company?
• Am I listened to and are my views respected?
• Are the senior management people of integrity?

If the answers to the above questions are more negative than positive then it might be time for a change you can believe in – actively seek a better opportunity elsewhere.

Barack Obama, career, change, compensation, election, Employment, ethics, integrity, promotion, slogan, USA